Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room stole the show, and for good reason:

1. Vision: What were you thinking, Howard Schulz?! Turning a former urban auto garage into a world-class Roastery & Tasting Room?? Guess what? It works.

Not only does it work, it brings full-circle a thirty-year friendship between Schultz and Serious Pie owner Tom Douglas. Both began their careers down the block from one another in Pike Place Market, Schultz at the first Starbucks, Douglas at Cafe Sport. Each have gone on to immense success in their respective fields – yet maintain the friendship, and their dedication to providing superior food and beverage experiences. Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room showcases two maestros collaborating at the height of their innovative powers. Good stuff.

2. Artistry: Howard Schultz creates this sacred space from the heart, and it shows. The site riffs like a great jazz piece. Part Bauhaus, part Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, and a whole lotta urban chic, it’s a great place to get lost in sensory bliss amidst discrete luxury.

Settle in at the top Tasting Bar for a front row seat to the swoosh overhead of five (5) different blends of coffee destined from roaster to back bar via an elaborate pneumatic copper tubing system. Get lost in gadgetry at the lower Tasting Bar, home to five (5) different coffee brewers sure to amaze those hankering for more than the usual pour-over.

All Roastery baristas undergo rigorous training in the alchemy and operation of various brewing methods, from Starbucks Clover® to elaborate glass vessels heated over gas flames. The showmanship and technique on display rivals that of the Serious Pie mixologists strutting their stuff topside.

3. Flavor: Belly up for a rare opportunity to taste quality-driven, sustainably-produced brews bound for China and Europe exclusively. You can’t get these pours at any other Starbucks in the United States. Period.

Starbucks Reserve® Roastery & Tasting Room uses only single-source, immaculately-maintained estates throughout the world. Just like fine wine, terroir influences fine coffee. And like fine wine, it takes time to age roasted coffee – typically seven (7) days from initial roasting. Risk less aromatics and more astringency should you opt to drink early. Luckily, knowledgable staff will assist with proper pour times at purchase.